Epileptic Seizures

An epileptic seizure is the body and brain's response to sudden
bursts of abnormal electrical activity in the brain. A seizure may affect a
person's muscle control, movement, speech, vision, or awareness
(consciousness).

There are two types of seizures.

Generalized seizures
begin over the entire surface of the brain and may involve the whole body. The
origin of these seizures cannot be traced to a specific location in the brain.
The cause of generalized seizures is presumed to be genetic. Epilepsy that
causes generalized seizures is more common in children than in adults.
Generalized seizures are usually treated with medicines. But surgery may
be helpful in some cases.

Partial seizures
(sometimes called focal seizures) begin in a specific location in the brain.
The cause of these seizures is not always clear, but they often result from
severe head injury, stroke, brain tumor, brain infections, scar tissue, and
other diseases that affect the brain. Partial seizures may affect awareness and
only one side or part of the body or may also involve the entire body. Partial seizures commonly occur in adults with epilepsy, but children can also
develop them. Partial seizures are usually treated with medicines. But
surgery to remove the affected area of the brain or interrupt certain pathways
is an option for some people.

By

Healthwise Staff

Primary Medical Reviewer

John Pope, MD - Pediatrics

Specialist Medical Reviewer

Steven C. Schachter, MD - Neurology

Current as of

March 12, 2014

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated:
March 12, 2014

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